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Cement & Concrete
T
erraforce interlocking concrete
blocks aremanufacturedunder
controlled conditions on five
continents and are used extensively
as an environmentally friendly land-
scaping retaining wall solution to
limit soil erosion.
The system is growing in popu-
larity with developers, contractors,
architects and engineers. On Johan-
nesburg’s West Rand, an amphithe-
atre was built against a hill backing
onto Roodekrans Ridge. This required
earthworks to be cut to create plat-
forms which needed to be retained.
The Terraforce retaining wall
system, with a round face finish was
chosen to create a more natural look
and feel. The systemproved tobe cost
effective, plantable and easily con-
structed to form concave curvatures.
The walls are 6,5 metres in height
and are reinforced with geo-fabric.
Additional wide channels above the
wall control the stormwater from the
hillside above. The indigenous trees,
grass and shrubs complement and
soften the structural retaining wall
particularly well, while the red soils
used for the backfill and for filling the
blocks have stained the grey blocks,
resulting in a colour mix that blends
inwith the surrounding environment.
The finished wall and additional
landscaping provide a beautiful
background setting against the ridge.
The amphitheatre was designed
and built by Otto Wijnberger of
In2Structures and the Terraforce
blocks were manufactured by
ReMaCon Products cc.
Terraforce product range includes:
Terraforce Retaining Block L11, L12,
L15, L16 Standard (also in a rock face
finish) Elongated shape. Optional
vertical interlock allowing for seam-
less variations of wall inclination (90
to 35 degrees), eliminating the use of
geogrids in many cases. Convex and
concave corners and curves of small
radius allow complex designs to suit
most site conditions.
Terraforce Retaining Block L13,
L18, L22 Standard (or rock round face)
can be used to control soil erosion,
stormwater, river bank and sea shore
protection.
Terraforce 4 x 4 Multi Step block
offers a light, versatile concrete unit,
generally used for constructing low
terrace walls, stairs and seating ar-
rangements for sports facilities and
outdoor amenities.
Terracrete Hard Lawn Paver can
be laid in different patterns and
may be used with or without ground
anchors for the lining of riverbanks
and other areas to limit soil erosion.
The product is suitable for parking
areas, as well as the stabilising of
steep embankments such as bridge
abutments.
Terrafix Erosion Control blocks
are available in three different thick-
nesses and can be laid in a variety of
configurations to suitmost site condi-
tions. It was specifically designed to
provide a flexible lining where cost-
effective protection against wind and
water erosion is required.
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Retaining wall systems
Renowned interlocking concrete block specialist, Terraforce, have
supplied a number of flagship projects and city precinctswith its earth
retaining blocks.